MLSE offers peek at ongoing $350 million Scotiabank Arena renovations

Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) has shed light on its plans to revitalize the downtown Toronto home of the Maple Leafs and the Raptors ahead of the venue’s 25th anniversary.

Details of $350 million ‘Reimagination Project’ for Scotiabank Arena were unveiled on Tuesday, MLSE says the renovations will aim to improve the arena’s concourse, suites, retail, food and more.

“The comprehensive multi-phase renovations will feature capital improvements to almost all areas within the venue,” says MLSE.

The downtown venue already saw renovations over the summer that remodelled the 200 level suites and installed new technology allowing some of the venues’ stores to offer fans checkout-free shopping. Future plans to remodel the 100 level concourse will continue next summer following the Maple Leafs and Raptors 2023-24 seasons.

Membership in the new Mastercard Lounge, which includes all Maple Leaf and Raptor regular-season games plus the first round of playoffs as well as food and drink (but not alcohol), begins at $60,000. And a renovated 200 level private suite, which includes Leafs and Raptors tickets for all games for 12 people, typically comes in at more than $500,000 per year.

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Renovations completed over summer 2023

• An all-new Mastercard Lounge – a shared members space overlooking the bowl from the south-west corner of the 200 Level with a premium viewing and dining experience
• A complete floor to ceiling remodel of all Mastercard Executive Suites with new finishes and enhanced in-suite technology
• The addition of two concession marketplaces with Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.

The 200 level now also has 76 unique pieces of art on its corridor walls, featuring sports and entertainment images, via an open call to artists. Plus more than 50 photographs.

See more details on the new additions and features throughout the venue. pic.twitter.com/yL59qF5L7K

— Scotiabank Arena (@ScotiabankArena) October 10, 2023

Renovations to be completed in summer 2024

• Full renovation of the 100 Level concourse with a new contemporary design.
• Modernized concession stands, transforming eight kiosks into grab & go style markets.
• The expansion of Real Sports Apparel with an additional retail store on the 100 Level concourse.
• Refreshed Hot Stove restaurant on the 200 Level including a new entrance from the second floor of the Galleria directly into the steakhouse’s front lounge.
• An all-new Tunnel Club on Event Level where members get an exclusive up-close view of players entering the bowl from the locker room while they dine.
• Redesigned Gate 6 broadcast studio to enhance the viewing experience for fans at home.

Following the conclusion of the 2023-24 Maple Leafs and Raptors seasons, an all-encompassing design makeover of the 100 Level concourse will begin along with the construction of new innovative spaces within the walls of the arena.

Here's a closer look at what we have planned: pic.twitter.com/SbyC4ZitNg

— Scotiabank Arena (@ScotiabankArena) October 10, 2023

The ‘Venue Reimagination’ project began in 2019 with the installation of the 2,200 square foot videoboard outside the building facing into Maple Leafs Square.

“Future years will include enhancements to additional fan-facing spaces as well as back-of-house artist and athlete areas to continue to position Scotiabank Arena as a top-ranked live events venue,” says MLSE. “Some of the upcoming venue updates include a complete design reinvigoration of the 300 Level concourse in line with 100 Level design.”

The reimagination project marks the first major renovations the venue has undergone since its opening in February 1999.

“For 25 years, Scotiabank Arena has been the heartbeat of this city and has established itself as one of the top venues in the world, hosting many of the biggest events in sports and entertainment and creating countless memories,” said Cynthia Devine, Interim President & CEO of MLSE, in a statement.

“This investment by MLSE’s owners is another important example of their commitment to further building on Scotiabank Arena’s global reputation as well as a commitment to our teams, employees, and most importantly, to our fans.”

Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, underwent the first phase of a full-scale, $300-million renovation last winter. The multi-phase work over the coming two or three offseasons will aim to transform the 33-year-old stadium into a ballpark.